What is an SMP?
The St. Mary’s Project (SMP) is a year-long, 8-credit, capstone of study at St. Mary’s.
SMPs are an independently designed and executed course of study. Working with a professor as a mentor, students have the opportunity to explore, in depth, a question or idea that entrances and intrigues them.
The most popular St. Mary’s Project in Music is a public recital with scholarly program notes. However, the nature of the project can be flexible, involving individual research, collaborative work, or contain components of internships, study-abroad programs, etc.
Though music majors will usually complete it in the music department, it may be carried out in another discipline or in an established cross-disciplinary study area, as long as permission is granted by the music department chair.
For further details about the SMP in Music, please see the the Music Department’s Handbook, or even better, just ask one of the music department faculty.
SMP Forms
Alternative Capstone Experience
Music majors are not required to complete a music SMP. Instead, they may complete an SMP in another department or complete a senior seminar. Prior approval of the faculty must be obtained before choosing this option.